Jeep Model Goes From Hot To Hotter; Where is the H4?

[Perian]

Link: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../70713019/1128

Bradford Wernle - Automotive News - July 16, 2007 - 12:01 am

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door has gone from hot to hotter.

The Chrysler group's Toledo Supplier Park is cranking out 600 vehicles per day. Of those, 82 percent are four-door Unlimiteds and 18 percent are two-door units.

"Demand for the hardtop four-door is much higher than we expected," said Cynthia Sidoti, Toledo Supplier Park plant manager.

In June, Jeep sold 10,952 Wranglers, the best June results ever for the Wrangler, according to Darryl Jackson, Chrysler vice president of U.S. sales.

Dealers say they've had a difficult time getting the top-of-the-line Rubicon version of the Wrangler, which is trail-ready and has Chrysler's MyGIG entertainment and information system that includes navigation.

"The market is overwhelming," Sidoti said.

One change that dealers will notice immediately is a new Wrangler color. It's Detonator Yellow, which is fitting for one of Jeep's most explosive-selling vehicles.

Full article at link.

[Perian]

Hats off to CG for its two 2007 smash introductions, the above Wrangler and the Jeep Patriot.

The Patriot is now the number one Jeep*...New Jeep Liberty model will start production soon.


One question for GM - Where is the Hummer H4?

The consumer has spoken. Let's respond sooner rather then later.




*Based on production figures.

[KIDDIESEL79]

I finally got used to looking at the 4-door Wrangler and I really like it. Open top, 6-speed manual, Off-road credibility, cargo space, and an available nav. I can't fin theese in any other vehicle, although before I jump the gun and consider one, I am waiting to see what Hummer can come up with in response. I would rather own a GM product and I'm sure Hummer can come up with a better dash design than the Jeeps

[PontiacBixler]

I was looking at getting an H3, but the $299/lease is gone now and there isn't an extension on the lease so I'm leaning towards a 4 door Wrangler.

The only problem? All I can find are one or two Wrangler Unlimiteds in God-aweful Green at the local lot, and they are the only ones that have any stock in a roughly 60 mile radius.

These things are selling like hotcakes around here.

[Quickening]

Yeh the four door Wranglers are popping up everywhere. And the next thing Hummer is showing up with is a H3 truck thing. :/

[jkennedy293]

Great to hear some positive news out of Chrysler. But I'm wondering why GM has to be in every market segment. Just because the 4-door Jeep is selling well does not mean that an H4 will be a success.

[AndrewGS]

My local dealer has 3 4x4 X models, 1 4x4 Sahara, 3 Rubicons and 1 4x2 X model. I see them but not as much as it seems everyone else is.

[Cortazzo]

I've only really seen the 4 door wranglers around here. I'd rather get the two door. If gas weren't as expensive as it is i'd love to get a new wrangler. Especially in the north east you have your 4x4 and your convertible all in one package.

[t-rex]

So GM didn't realize back in the last millenium when they bought the Hummer brand that it could be a lucrative Jeep competitor? Or are the Ivy League Wittgensteins in the Ren Cen just now catching on? Sorry Rick, the H4, if it's even a Wrangler-type vehicle, will be a day late and a dollar short. Typically GM.

I'm about 1 millimeter from officially giving up any hope...

[coaster.n3rd]

Why release an H4 with the way things are going regarding fuel prices & emmisions?

[mbukukanyau]

Where is the H4? My take.
Hummer has to decide if its going after Land Rover or if its going after Jeep. I would say, Hummer should go after Land Rover.
GM can creat Chevy's that go after Jeep.

[paul8488]

We've heard of talk of an H4 for years... GM could have matched or beat the 4-door Wrangler, but didn't.

[Ronald McChevy]

Great to hear some positive news out of Chrysler. But I'm wondering why GM has to be in every market segment. Just because the 4-door Jeep is selling well does not mean that an H4 will be a success.

I agree. GM needs to concentrate on what they do well, not try to compete against every single vehicle out there.

[boblutzfan]

We've heard of talk of an H4 for years... GM could have matched or beat the 4-door Wrangler, but didn't.

GM used the Hummer brand to sell high end versions of their favorite platform...the GMT-800 now the GMT-900. They don't know how to go small. It will be their undoing if they don't figure out how to sell fuel efficient small/midsize trucks, sedans and SUVs.

[jbartley]

Great to hear some positive news out of Chrysler. But I'm wondering why GM has to be in every market segment. Just because the 4-door Jeep is selling well does not mean that an H4 will be a success.

excellent point.